Job Description
Global Commercial Services (GCS) serves millions of business customers around the world, from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 500 companies. We back businesses so they can do more business, with a mission to be the undisputed leader in financial and membership services - responsibly driving double-digit revenue growth. We do that by offering a diverse range of payment and cashflow tools, from a wide range of traditional card products, to working capital and supply chain financing, to new digital solutions that make it easy for our customers to manage a full range of their financial and payment needs.
The Training Director will be a thought leader who will deliver on an effective training plan and the professional development of Colleagues across GCS’ US Small and Middle Enterprises (SME) segment. Specifically, this Director will have end-to-end ownership of New Hire and Leader Development strategy, operating model, and execution. This leader will be responsible for designing and scaling a high-impact learning ecosystem that accelerates speed to productivity, improves sales performance, and strengthens leader effectiveness across a distributed, high-volume organization.
This is a highly visible role requiring a strategic operator who can translate business priorities into actionable learning strategies, challenge the status quo, and influence outcomes at all levels.
Responsibilities
Set Strategy & Define the Operating Model
- Own the L&D strategy for US SME New Hire and Leader Development, aligned to business growth and performance priorities
- Design and evolve a scalable operating model to support high-volume hiring and continuous development across hub-based (Phoenix, Sunrise, Atlanta) and hybrid environments
- Translate business goals into clear learning priorities, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes
Drive Business Impact Through Learning
- Lead the design of learning journeys that accelerate new hire ramp, improve sales productivity, and elevate leader effectiveness
- Establish clear success metrics (e.g., speed to proficiency, performance lift, leader capability) and continuously refine programs based on data and insights
- Partner with Performance & Insights and Sales leadership to connect learning outcomes to business results
Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team
- Lead a team of 7 L&D professionals responsible for program design and delivery
- Set clear expectations, elevate team capabilities, and build a culture of accountability and innovation
- Ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of in-person and hybrid training experiences across key hub locations
Innovate and Modernize Learning
- Drive innovation in curriculum design, delivery methods, and learner experience, leveraging digital tools and LMS capabilities
- Introduce modern learning approaches (e.g., blended learning, just-in-time enablement, reinforcement strategies)
- Continuously assess and evolve content to ensure relevance to sales roles and leader needs
Influence and Partner Across the Business
- Act as a strategic thought partner to Sales and Account Development leaders and advisors
- Proactively challenge assumptions and shape learning solutions that address root performance drivers
- Communicate strategy, progress, and impact through clear, compelling storytelling and executive-ready materials
Qualifications
Leadership & Strategy
- Bachelor's degree
- 4 - 5 years’ experience in Learning & Development or related field
- 3 - 5 years’ people leadership experience
- Proven ability to operate as a strategic leader, not just an executor
- Demonstrated experience building and scaling learning strategies tied to business outcomes
- Strong business acumen with a results-oriented mindset
- Ability to influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels with credibility and confidence
- Experience designing and delivering impactful learning programs, particularly in sales or performance-driven environments
- Familiarity with modern learning practices and learning technologies (LMS required)
- Ability to connect learning design to measurable performance outcomes
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Innovator - not afraid to challenge the status quo
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, excel in a complex, fast paced, multi-team environment with rapidly evolving business demands
- Experience in a highly regulated industry
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree preferred
- Exceptional storytelling and presentation skills, including advanced PowerPoint capabilities
- Strong executive presence and communication skills
- Ability to set direction, coach talent, and drive accountability
- Strong program management skills in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution
- Enthusiastic, fun, flexible and demonstrates a willingness to learn!
Employment eligibility to work with American Express in the United States is required as the company will not pursue visa sponsorship for these positions.
About Us
At American Express, our culture is built on a 175-year history of innovation, shared values and Leadership Behaviors, and an unwavering commitment to back our customers, communities, and colleagues. From delivering differentiated products to providing world-class customer service, we operate with a strong risk mindset, ensuring we continue to uphold our brand promise of trust, security, and service.
As part of Team Amex, you’ll experience our powerful backing with comprehensive support for your holistic well-being and many opportunities to learn new skills, develop as a leader, and grow your career. Here, your voice and ideas matter, your work makes an impact, and together, you will help us define the future of American Express.
About The Team
We back you with benefits that support your holistic well-being so you can be and deliver your best. This means caring for you and your loved ones' physical, financial, and mental health, as well as providing the flexibility you need to thrive personally and professionally:
- Competitive base salaries
- Bonus incentives
- 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan
- Free financial coaching and financial well-being support
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits
- Flexible working model with hybrid, onsite or virtual arrangements depending on role and business need
- 20+ weeks paid parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender, offered for pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy
- Free access to global on-site wellness centers staffed with nurses and doctors (depending on location)
- Free and confidential counseling support through our Healthy Minds program
- Career development and training opportunities
For a full list of Team Amex benefits, visit out Colleague Benefits Site .
American Express is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, age, or any other status protected by law. American Express will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in accordance with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. For positions covered by federal and/or state banking regulations, American Express will comply with such regulations as it relates to the consideration of applicants with criminal convictions.
We back our colleagues with the support they need to thrive, professionally and personally. That's why we have Amex Flex, our enterprise working model that provides greater flexibility to colleagues while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite, in a hybrid model (combination of in-office and virtual days) or fully virtually.
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The below represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we’ll consider your location, experience, and other job-related factors.
